Pour spout and dispensing device

ABSTRACT

A pour spout device comprising: a unitary construction including a base cap and an elongated spout tube; the base cap having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface has threads for engaging with threads on the opening of a container so as to secure the pour spout device in closing relationship to the opening of the container; and the base cap including a tether lead connected to an end ring member for securing the pour spout device to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout device when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container. A dispensing device comprising a container and a pour spout affixed thereto. The pour spout and dispensing device can be used for dispensing motor multipurpose treatment fluids, motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and the like.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates to a pour spout and a dispensing device including a container and a pour spout affixed thereto. The pour spout and dispensing device can be used for dispensing motor multipurpose treatment fluids, motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and the like.

2. Discussion of the Background Art

It is common to experience frustration when trying to add oil or motor treatments to an engine or fuel tank. Oil containers and motor treatment containers do not come with convenient pouring spouts that would aim the flow of oil or motor treatment directly into the crankcase inlet or fuel inlet and avoid any spilling of oil or motor treatment over the engine or exterior of the automobile. In many automobiles, the crankcase oil inlet is surrounded by equipment that forces one to pour the oil from a certain distance above the crankcase inlet. The only practical way to do so without spilling any oil or motor treatment is to use a long funnel. However, long funnels are not always handy, especially when oil or motor treatment has to be added to an engine roadside. The funnel needs to be cleaned then stored at the expense of available storage space.

There is real and continuing need in the art for oil and motor treatment containers having an accessible pour spout device that can be quickly mounted onto the container, and used to dispense the oil or motor treatment to the engine or fuel tank. The pour spout device should allow a person to dispense oil or motor treatment to hard-to-reach engine inlet or fuel tank inlet. The pour spout should be inexpensive to manufacture so that it can be disposed with the empty container.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates in part to a pour spout device comprising:

a unitary construction including a base cap and an elongated spout tube;

the base cap having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface has threads for engaging with threads on the opening of a container so as to secure the pour spout device in closing relationship to the opening of the container; and

the base cap including a tether lead connected to an end ring member for securing the pour spout device to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout device when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.

The disclosure also relates in part to a device comprising:

a container having a body portion for holding a liquid;

an opening on the upper end of said body portion having threads, and a removable cap having threads for engaging with the threads on the opening of the container;

a pour spout comprising:

a unitary construction including a base cap and an elongated spout tube;

the base cap having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface has threads for engaging with threads on the opening of the container so as to secure the pour spout in closing relationship to the opening of the container; and

the base cap including a tether lead connected to an end ring member for securing the pour spout to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container;

wherein the end ring member is fitted on the opening of the container and the removable cap is fitted over the end ring member, the threads of the removable cap engaging with the threads on the opening of the container for securing the pour spout to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.

The disclosure further relates in part to a device comprising:

a container having a body portion for holding a liquid;

an opening on the upper end of said body portion having threads;

a pour spout comprising:

a unitary construction including a base cap and an elongated spout tube;

the base cap having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface has threads for engaging with threads on the opening of the container so as to secure the pour spout in closing relationship to the opening of the container; and

the base cap including a tether lead connected to an end ring member for securing the pour spout to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container;

wherein the pour spout is fitted on the opening of the container, the threads of the base cap engaging with the threads on the opening of the container so as to secure the pour spout in closing relationship to the opening of the container.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood by reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pour spout device of this disclosure. The device is a unitary construction including a base cap and an elongated spout tube. The base cap includes a tether lead connected to an end ring member for securing the pour spout device to a container so as to captively hold the pour spout device when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pour spout device of this disclosure. The device is a unitary construction including a base cap and an elongated spout tube. The base cap includes a tether lead connected to an end ring member for securing the pour spout device to a container so as to captively hold the pour spout device when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upright position container of this disclosure having the pour spout fitted on the opening of the container. The threads of the base cap are engaged with the threads on the opening of the container so that the pour spout device is secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an upright position container of this disclosure having the end ring member fitted on the opening of the container and the removable cap fitted over the end ring member. The threads of the removable cap are engaged with the threads on the opening of the container so that the pour spout device is secured to the container and captively held when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container of this disclosure having the pour spout fitted on the opening of the container. The threads of the base cap are engaged with the threads on the opening of the container so that the pour spout device is secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a container of this disclosure having the pour spout fitted on the opening of the container. The threads of the base cap are engaged with the threads on the opening of the container so that the pour spout device is secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure provides a pour spout device 20. The pour spout device 20 comprises a unitary construction including a base cap 12 and an elongated spout tube 11. The base cap 12 has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface has threads for engaging with threads on the opening of container 10 so as to secure the pour spout device 20 in closing relationship to the opening of container 10. The base cap 12 includes a tether lead 13 connected to an end ring member 14 for securing the pour spout device 20 to container 10 so as to captively hold pour spout device 20 when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of container 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in particular FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the present disclosure provides a device comprising a container 10 and an attachable pour spout 20. The device as shown in FIG. 4 is in non-dispensing and storage mode. The device comprises a container 10 having a body portion for holding a liquid; an opening on the upper end of the body portion having threads, and a removable cap 15 having threads for engaging with the threads on the opening of container 10; and pour spout 20. The pour spout 20 comprises a unitary construction including a base cap 12 and an elongated spout tube 11. The base cap 12 has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface has threads for engaging with threads on the opening of container 10 so as to secure pour spout 20 in closing relationship to the opening of container 10. The base cap 12 includes a tether lead 13 connected to an end ring member 14 for securing pour spout 20 to container 10 so as to captively hold pour spout 20 when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of container 10.

The end ring member 14 is fitted on the opening of container 10 and the removable cap 15 is fitted over the end ring member 14. The threads of the removable cap 15 engage with the threads on the opening of container 10 for securing pour spout 20 to container 10 so as to captively hold pour spout 20 when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of container 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in particular FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the present disclosure provides a device comprising a container 10 having a body portion for holding a liquid; an opening on the upper end of said body portion having threads; and a pour spout 20. The device as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 is in dispensing mode. The pour spout 20 comprises a unitary construction including a base cap 12 and an elongated spout tube 11. The base cap 12 has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface has threads for engaging with threads on the opening of the container 10 so as to secure the pour spout 20 in closing relationship to the opening of the container 10. The base cap 12 includes a tether lead 13 connected to an end ring member 14 for securing the pour spout 20 to the container 10 so as to captively hold the pour spout 20 when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container 10. The pour spout 20 is fitted on the opening of the container 10. The threads of the base cap 12 are engaged with the threads on the opening of the container 10 so as to secure the pour spout 20 in closing relationship to the opening of the container 10.

The pour spout device can be constructed from a variety of materials. The pour spout device is preferably molded from plastic. The elongated spout tube can be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. The pour spout device can be in a variety of sizes depending on the size of the container and the particular end use application.

The base cap of the pour spout device typically has a cylindrical outer surface. The elongated spout tube of the pour spout device typically has a frustroconical outer surface.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the inner surface of the pour spout device has a plurality of projection spurs 16 circumferentially positioned for securing the end ring member to the opening of the container. The projection spurs 16 aid in securing the end ring member to the container opening in storage mode. The projection spurs 16 aid in securing the pour spout device to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout device when it is in storage mode. The number of projection spurs 16 can vary, e.g., 2 to 4, and need only be that amount to aid in securing the pour spout device to the container.

The container can be in a variety of sizes ranging from a pint or less to a quart or gallon or greater. The container can also be in a variety of shapes for the particular end use application. The container can be constructed from a variety of materials, for example, metal, plastic, and the like.

The pour spout and dispensing device of this disclosure can be used with a variety of liquids such as motor multipurpose treatment fluids, motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and the like.

Following purchase, the user takes the container with attachable pour spout in non-dispensing mode (i.e., storage position as shown in FIG. 4) and filled with conventional motor oil or motor treatment fluid, to a vehicle. The user then affixes the pour spout to the container so as to secure the pour spout in closing relationship to the opening of the container as shown in FIG. 3. The user opens the vehicle hood and removes the oil filler cap to expose the oil filler hole of the engine, or opens the fuel cap cover and removes the fuel cap to expose the fuel filler hole. Such vehicle hood, oil filler cap, oil filler hole, fuel cap cover, fuel cap, fuel filler hole, and engine may be of well known conventional type. The user then removes the oil filler cap or fuel filler cap, and inverts the container so that its spout is inserted into the oil filler hole or fuel filler hole. The contents of the container flow by gravity into the engine or fuel tank. The dispensing device of this disclosure allows for a clean transfer of motor oil to the engine such that no oil is dispensed onto outer surfaces of the engine, in an unwanted way, rather than into the engine oil filler hole, and allows for the clean transfer of motor treatment fluid to the fuel tank such that no fluid is dispensed onto outer surfaces of the automobile, in an unwanted way, rather than into the engine fuel filler hole.

If it be desired to dispense only a portion of the oil in the container into the engine oil filler hole or only a portion of the motor treatment fluid into the fuel filler hole, and retain the remaining portion of the oil or motor treatment fluid in the container for later use, such can be done by raising and removing the inverted container from the oil filler hole or fuel filler hole. The pour spout is then removed from the container opening, the container cap is replaced onto the container, and the pour spout attached to the container as shown in FIG. 4 for storage mode.

It is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

While we have shown and described several embodiments in accordance with our disclosure, it is to be clearly understood that the same may be susceptible to numerous changes apparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, we do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described but intend to show all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pour spout device comprising: a unitary construction including a base cap and an elongated spout tube; the base cap having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface has threads for engaging with threads on the opening of a container so as to secure the pour spout device in closing relationship to the opening of the container; and the base cap including a tether lead connected to an end ring member for securing the pour spout device to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout device when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.
 2. The pour spout device of claim 1 wherein the container has a removable cap to cover the opening of the container when the pour spout device is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.
 3. The pour spout device of claim 1 wherein the threads of the base cap engaging with threads on the opening of the container provide an anti-drip engagement.
 4. The pour spout device of claim 1 wherein the unitary construction is molded of plastic.
 5. The pour spout device of claim 1 wherein the end ring member has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having a plurality of projection spurs circumferentially positioned for securing the end ring member to the opening of the container, thereby securing the pour spout device to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout device when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.
 6. The pour spout device of claim 1 wherein the base cap has a cylindrical outer surface and the elongated spout tube has a frustroconical outer surface.
 7. The pour spout device of claim 1 wherein the container is suitable for dispensing a liquid motor treatment.
 8. A device comprising: a container having a body portion for holding a liquid; an opening on the upper end of said body portion having threads, and a removable cap having threads for engaging with the threads on the opening of the container; a pour spout comprising: a unitary construction including a base cap and an elongated spout tube; the base cap having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface has threads for engaging with threads on the opening of the container so as to secure the pour spout in closing relationship to the opening of the container; and the base cap including a tether lead connected to an end ring member for securing the pour spout to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container; wherein the end ring member is fitted on the opening of the container and the removable cap is fitted over the end ring member, the threads of the removable cap engaging with the threads on the opening of the container for securing the pour spout to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein the threads of the removable cap engaging with the threads on the opening of the container provide an anti-drip engagement.
 10. The device of claim 8 wherein the unitary construction is molded of plastic.
 11. The device of claim 8 wherein the end ring member has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having a plurality of projection spurs circumferentially positioned for securing the end ring member to the opening of the container, thereby securing the pour spout to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.
 12. The device of claim 8 wherein the base cap has a cylindrical outer surface and the elongated spout tube has a frustroconical outer surface.
 13. The device of claim 8 suitable for dispensing a liquid motor treatment.
 14. A device comprising: a container having a body portion for holding a liquid; an opening on the upper end of said body portion having threads; a pour spout comprising: a unitary construction including a base cap and an elongated spout tube; the base cap having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface has threads for engaging with threads on the opening of the container so as to secure the pour spout in closing relationship to the opening of the container; and the base cap including a tether lead connected to an end ring member for securing the pour spout to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container; wherein the pour spout is fitted on the opening of the container, the threads of the base cap engaging with the threads on the opening of the container so as to secure the pour spout in closing relationship to the opening of the container.
 15. The device of claim 14 wherein the threads of the base cap engaging with the threads on the opening of the container provide an anti-drip engagement.
 16. The device of claim 14 wherein the unitary construction is molded of plastic.
 17. The device of claim 14 wherein the end ring member has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having a plurality of projection spurs circumferentially positioned for securing the end ring member to the opening of the container, thereby securing the pour spout to the container so as to captively hold the pour spout when it is not secured in closing relationship to the opening of the container.
 18. The device of claim 14 wherein the base cap has a cylindrical outer surface and the elongated spout tube has a frustroconical outer surface.
 19. The device of claim 14 suitable for dispensing a liquid motor treatment.
 20. The device of claim 17 wherein the end ring member has 4 projection spurs. 